Bali, this province has never been discussed. Having a great influence on Hindu culture, you will find temples wherever you go. Therefore, this island is known as the Thousand Temple Island. Almost all temples in Bali are inherited from hundreds of years old ancestors. One of the interesting temples to visit is Goa Gajah. 

Elephant Cave

Maybe when I heard about Goa Gajah, the first time in your head was a cave with an elephant in it. But that is not what is meant. Goa Gajah comes from the word "Lwa Gajah" on the palm of Negarakertagama written by Mpu Prapanca in 1365M. "Lwa" means river, so Sungai Gajah. Right in front of this temple there is a river that has now been renamed Sungai Petanu. Formerly, this temple functioned as a place of retreat and worship of Hindus and Buddhists.

Goa Gajah is in Bedulu Village, Gianyar Regency. You can travel 1 hour from Denpasar and about 15 minutes from Ubud. When you set foot in the Goa Gajah area, you have to walk along small kiosks that sell Balinese souvenirs. Then walk down the steps. From the stairs, you can see the whole Goa Gajah area.

In the Goa Gajah area, you will hear the gurgling water flowing from the statues of statues and rivers around. Goa Gajah complex consists of 2 main parts. In the north, you can feel the strong Hindu influence with the Trilingga and the statue of Ganesha in the cave. While Buddhist influence is felt in the south, it can be seen from the Buddhist stupa. Try entering and going around in the cave. Above the cave entrance, there is a carving of Kala's head statue.

In 1923, the cave was only known because it was covered with shrubs. Inside the cave, there are 13 niches, 4 niches are in the entrance hall and the rest are in the cave. This niche serves to place the idol statue with ritual tools. The Ganesha statue is located in the western niche and the Trilingga statue is in the eastern niche. The statue stored in the cave consists of statues of Shiva Hinduism and statues of Buddhism.

You can be an eyewitness to the combination of these two beliefs in Bali. Satisfied looking in the cave, continue to explore the outside. Outside there is a pool with a shower for taking holy water for ceremonial purposes. This shower is made in the form of five angel angel statues. There should be seven statues. But due to the earthquake, two other statues were destroyed. If you want to visit Goa Gajah, this place is open from 08:00 WITA - 16:00 WITA.

Take your time to come to Goa Gajah. Because this place is suitable for those of you who want to take a leisurely tour of looking at the relics of the past. So, besides traveling you can also get additional information about history.